Category: Armenia

Guest:

In this Conversations on Groong episode, we’ll be talking Naira Melikyan who shares troubling information from her attempt to travel to Artsakh via the newly built road passing by the village of Kornidzor. Armenian border guards turned away the Miasin group citing security concerns.

Episode 245 | Recorded: April 7, 2023

Guest:

In this Conversations on Groong episode, we’ll be talking Naira Melikyan who shares troubling information from her attempt to travel to Artsakh via the newly built road passing by the village of Kornidzor. Armenian border guards turned away the Miasin group citing security concerns.

Episode 245 | Recorded: April 7, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • What agreements were reached between China and Russia?
  • What is the role of India in the new world order?
  • Consequence of moving away from a dollar-denominated global economic order?
  • China as peacemaker in Ukraine
  • China as peacemaker in the Middle East
  • China’s role in Iran and South Caucasus
  • How should Armenia navigate world order changes?

Episode 244 | Recorded: April 5, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • What agreements were reached between China and Russia?
  • What is the role of India in the new world order?
  • Consequence of moving away from a dollar-denominated global economic order?
  • China as peacemaker in Ukraine
  • China as peacemaker in the Middle East
  • China’s role in Iran and South Caucasus
  • How should Armenia navigate world order changes?

Episode 244 | Recorded: April 5, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 243, Apr 4, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - April 4, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • The Current Living Conditions
    • Complete gas cutoff for 2 weeks
    • Weather clearing, rolling blackouts alleviate
  • Young farmer hits landmine
  • Azeris Tighten Blockade on March 25
  • Situation with the Sarsang Reservoir
  • Artsakh FM meets French Delegation in Yerevan
    • What do Western Statements mean to us?
    • What do they signal to Azerbaijan?

Episode 243 | Recorded: April 4, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 243, Apr 4, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - April 4, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • The Current Living Conditions
    • Complete gas cutoff for 2 weeks
    • Weather clearing, rolling blackouts alleviate
  • Young farmer hits landmine
  • Azeris Tighten Blockade on March 25
  • Situation with the Sarsang Reservoir
  • Artsakh FM meets French Delegation in Yerevan
    • What do Western Statements mean to us?
    • What do they signal to Azerbaijan?

Episode 243 | Recorded: April 4, 2023

Guest:

Topic:

  • Azerbaijan Invades, Pashinyan “Explains”
  • Armenia at the Democracy Summit
  • Armenia and the Rome Statute
  • Iran FM in Moscow, Azeri FM in Israel

Episode 242 | Recorded: April 3, 2023

Guest:

Topic:

  • Azerbaijan Invades, Pashinyan “Explains”
  • Armenia at the Democracy Summit
  • Armenia and the Rome Statute
  • Iran FM in Moscow, Azeri FM in Israel

Episode 242 | Recorded: April 3, 2023

Guest:

Topic:

  • Azerbaijani Attacks over the Weekend
  • East and West
  • Armenia and the Rome Statute

Episode 241 | Recorded: March 26, 2023

Guest:

Topic:

  • Azerbaijani Attacks over the Weekend
  • East and West
  • Armenia and the Rome Statute

Episode 241 | Recorded: March 26, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Pashinyan’s Press Conference
  • Negotiating with Belligerent Azerbaijan
  • Mirzoyan in Moscow
  • Mayoral Politics in Yerevan

Episode 240 | Recorded: March 20, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Pashinyan’s Press Conference
  • Negotiating with Belligerent Azerbaijan
  • Mirzoyan in Moscow
  • Mayoral Politics in Yerevan

Episode 240 | Recorded: March 20, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 239, Mar 19, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - March 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • The Current Living Conditions
    • Gas, Power, Food, Weather
  • Daily Ceasefire Violations
    • Shooting at Civilians
    • Heightened Threat of War
  • Process of Constitutional Amendment
    • Is Arayik Harutyunyan Planning to Resign?
    • Will the Amendment Go Through?
  • Negotiations with Azerbaijan
    • Invitation to Negtiate “Integration” in Baku
    • Artsakh Demands that Armenia Respect its own Laws
    • Artsakh Demands an International Platform for Negotiations

Episode 239 | Recorded: March 19, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 239, Mar 19, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - March 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • The Current Living Conditions
    • Gas, Power, Food, Weather
  • Daily Ceasefire Violations
    • Shooting at Civilians
    • Heightened Threat of War
  • Process of Constitutional Amendment
    • Is Arayik Harutyunyan Planning to Resign?
    • Will the Amendment Go Through?
  • Negotiations with Azerbaijan
    • Invitation to Negtiate “Integration” in Baku
    • Artsakh Demands that Armenia Respect its own Laws
    • Artsakh Demands an International Platform for Negotiations

Episode 239 | Recorded: March 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • On March 7, the Georgian parliament voted into law a bill that would require political actors to clarify their foreign funding sources and their activities to lobby lawmakers with such funding. This ignited large protests in Tbilisi, and on March 9 the parliament agreed to rescind the law and to release arrested opposition members. We analyze the events and the outcome.

Episode 238 | Recorded: March 15, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • On March 7, the Georgian parliament voted into law a bill that would require political actors to clarify their foreign funding sources and their activities to lobby lawmakers with such funding. This ignited large protests in Tbilisi, and on March 9 the parliament agreed to rescind the law and to release arrested opposition members. We analyze the events and the outcome.

Episode 238 | Recorded: March 15, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue
    • Developments in Artsakh
    • No “Peace” without “Rights and Security”?
    • Armenia Downgrades CSTO Relations
  • Georgian Law on Foreign Agents
  • Reflections on MPG Poll “AmotiSar” Results

Episode 237 | Recorded: March 12, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Armenia-Azerbaijan Negotiations Continue
    • Developments in Artsakh
    • No “Peace” without “Rights and Security”?
    • Armenia Downgrades CSTO Relations
  • Georgian Law on Foreign Agents
  • Reflections on MPG Poll “AmotiSar” Results

Episode 237 | Recorded: March 12, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 236, Mar 12, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - March 12, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Gas cutoff again.
  • Aftermath of Azerbaijan Killing 3 Artsakh Policemen
  • Potential for New Aggression
  • No “Peace” without “Rights and Security for Artsakh”?

Episode 236 | Recorded: March 12, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 236, Mar 12, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - March 12, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Gas cutoff again.
  • Aftermath of Azerbaijan Killing 3 Artsakh Policemen
  • Potential for New Aggression
  • No “Peace” without “Rights and Security for Artsakh”?

Episode 236 | Recorded: March 12, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 235, Mar 6, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - March 6, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Azerbaijan Attack Kills 3 Artsakh Citizens
  • Arayik Harutyunyan rejects Azeri ultimatum, Warns of Further Aggression
  • How are people responding?
  • About the international response
  • Russian peacekeeper report and response
  • On the trilateral agreement of Nov. 2020

Episode 235 | Recorded: March 6, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 235, Mar 6, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - March 6, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Azerbaijan Attack Kills 3 Artsakh Citizens
  • Arayik Harutyunyan rejects Azeri ultimatum, Warns of Further Aggression
  • How are people responding?
  • About the international response
  • Russian peacekeeper report and response
  • On the trilateral agreement of Nov. 2020

Episode 235 | Recorded: March 6, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Turkish Politics after the Earthquake
  • Artsakh Blockade and Developments
  • Armenian Diplomatic Developments
  • Egyptian President’s Visit to Armenia

Episode 234 | Recorded: March 5, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Turkish Politics after the Earthquake
  • Artsakh Blockade and Developments
  • Armenian Diplomatic Developments
  • Egyptian President’s Visit to Armenia

Episode 234 | Recorded: March 5, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 233, Mar 2, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Mar 2, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Day to day Conditions
  • Meeting of Artsakh and Azerbaijani Reps
  • What is Artsakh Discussing at the Meeting
  • What Concessions are being Discussed?
  • New State Minister Gurgen Nersesyan
  • More Azeri Shootings in Martakert and Askeran

Episode 233 | Recorded: March 2, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 233, Mar 2, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Mar 2, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Day to day Conditions
  • Meeting of Artsakh and Azerbaijani Reps
  • What is Artsakh Discussing at the Meeting
  • What Concessions are being Discussed?
  • New State Minister Gurgen Nersesyan
  • More Azeri Shootings in Martakert and Askeran

Episode 233 | Recorded: March 2, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • 35th Anniversary of the Sumgait Pogroms
  • Turkey after the Earthquake
  • One Year Anniversary of the War in Ukraine
  • Azerbaijan-Armenian Negotiations Continue
  • Personal topics

Episode 232 | Recorded: February 28, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • 35th Anniversary of the Sumgait Pogroms
  • Turkey after the Earthquake
  • One Year Anniversary of the War in Ukraine
  • Azerbaijan-Armenian Negotiations Continue
  • Personal topics

Episode 232 | Recorded: February 28, 2023

Today we’re going to talk with Anna Abrahamian about two or three topics.

  • The Munich Security Conference 2023.
  • We’ll touch on Russian president Putin’s state of the federation address.
  • The latest political developments in Artsakh.

Guest:

  • Anna Abrahamian , a geopolitical analyst who splits her time between Moscow and Athens. Having obtained training in international law, Anna has worked in such noteworthy institutions as the Defense Analyses Institute in Athens as well as the Crisis Group in Brussels. Today, Anna provides her analysis on geopolitics and Armenian politics to her
 Read More

Today we’re going to talk with Anna Abrahamian about two or three topics.

  • The Munich Security Conference 2023.
  • We’ll touch on Russian president Putin’s state of the federation address.
  • The latest political developments in Artsakh.

Guest:

  • Anna Abrahamian , a geopolitical analyst who splits her time between Moscow and Athens. Having obtained training in international law, Anna has worked in such noteworthy institutions as the Defense Analyses Institute in Athens as well as the Crisis Group in Brussels. Today, Anna provides her analysis on geopolitics and Armenian politics to her
 Read More

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 231, Feb 24, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Feb 24, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Rouben Vardanyan sacked in Stepanakert
  • Samuel Babayan in Artsakh
  • Azeri and Artsakh reps meet to resume Gas & Electricity
    • Further Azeri demands, Artsakh red lines
  • Medical topics

Episode 231 | Recorded: February 24, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 231, Feb 24, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Feb 24, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Rouben Vardanyan sacked in Stepanakert
  • Samuel Babayan in Artsakh
  • Azeri and Artsakh reps meet to resume Gas & Electricity
    • Further Azeri demands, Artsakh red lines
  • Medical topics

Episode 231 | Recorded: February 24, 2023

Artur Papyan: Cyber Laws and Threats in Armenia [EP229]

Posted on Friday, Feb 24, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Technology, Media, Azerbaijan, Israel, Human Rights | Series: cog, video

In this Conversations on Groong episode, we’ll be talking about the Internet censorship bill proposed in Armenia before the new year. We’ll also talk about the threat and activity of some Cyber spying malware in Armenia, such as the Israeli Pegasus software, which represents a threat to journalists and freedom of expression.

Topics:

  • Censoring the Internet
  • Cyberthreats and Cyberspying in Armenia

Guest: Artur Papyan , malware researcher, digital security consultant, co-founder of CyberHub and director of the Media DIversity Institute .

Episode 229 | Recorded: February 24, 2023

In this Conversations on Groong episode, we’ll be talking about the Internet censorship bill proposed in Armenia before the new year. We’ll also talk about the threat and activity of some Cyber spying malware in Armenia, such as the Israeli Pegasus software, which represents a threat to journalists and freedom of expression.

Topics:

  • Censoring the Internet
  • Cyberthreats and Cyberspying in Armenia

Guest: Artur Papyan , malware researcher, digital security consultant, co-founder of CyberHub and director of the Media DIversity Institute .

Episode 229 | Recorded: February 24, 2023

Guests:

  • Suren Sargsyan , founder and a President at the Armenian Center for American Studies, a research center based in Yerevan.

“Pashinyan’s participation in Munich Security Conference didn’t give anything to Armenia” - Suren Sargsyan

Topic:

Today is day 72 of the total blockade of Artsakh. For 72 days, the 120K citizens of Artsakh have not had the ability to enter or exit their country. They are deprived of the ability to visit Armenia or to receive guests from Armenia. With very limited supplies, they are forced to ration food with the help of food stamps in order to

 Read More

Guests:

  • Suren Sargsyan , founder and a President at the Armenian Center for American Studies, a research center based in Yerevan.

“Pashinyan’s participation in Munich Security Conference didn’t give anything to Armenia” - Suren Sargsyan

Topic:

Today is day 72 of the total blockade of Artsakh. For 72 days, the 120K citizens of Artsakh have not had the ability to enter or exit their country. They are deprived of the ability to visit Armenia or to receive guests from Armenia. With very limited supplies, they are forced to ration food with the help of food stamps in order to

 Read More

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 227, Feb 21, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Feb 21, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • The Politics around Ruben Vardanyan

Episode 227 | Recorded: February 21, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 227, Feb 21, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Feb 21, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • The Politics around Ruben Vardanyan

Episode 227 | Recorded: February 21, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • 35th Anniversary of the Karabakh Movement
  • Russia Warns the EU and Armenia
  • Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations Continue
  • Personal topics

Episode 226 | Recorded: February 19, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • 35th Anniversary of the Karabakh Movement
  • Russia Warns the EU and Armenia
  • Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations Continue
  • Personal topics

Episode 226 | Recorded: February 19, 2023

Guest:

Topic:

  • Earthquake in Turkey and Syria
  • Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict
    • FM Lavrov’s Interview to Russian Media
    • EU vs CSTO Missions
    • Shifting Public Perceptions
  • Political Shuffles in Yerevan

Episode 224 | Recorded: February 12, 2023

Guest:

Topic:

  • Earthquake in Turkey and Syria
  • Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict
    • FM Lavrov’s Interview to Russian Media
    • EU vs CSTO Missions
    • Shifting Public Perceptions
  • Political Shuffles in Yerevan

Episode 224 | Recorded: February 12, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 223, Feb 9, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Feb 9, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Snowy and cold weather sets in
  • Azerbaijan Switches off Gas again
  • Shifting Electricity Blackout Strategy
  • 25 Tons of Russian Aid Reach Stepanakert
  • Negotiations and Negotiators Continue
    • Redlines for Artsakh
  • Arayik Harutyunyan talks with Gagik Tsarukyan
  • Do not Take this Blockade Lightly!
  • Treasonous Mindsets in Armenian Government
    • Who Will They Fight For?

Episode 223 | Recorded: February 9, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 223, Feb 9, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Feb 9, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Snowy and cold weather sets in
  • Azerbaijan Switches off Gas again
  • Shifting Electricity Blackout Strategy
  • 25 Tons of Russian Aid Reach Stepanakert
  • Negotiations and Negotiators Continue
    • Redlines for Artsakh
  • Arayik Harutyunyan talks with Gagik Tsarukyan
  • Do not Take this Blockade Lightly!
  • Treasonous Mindsets in Armenian Government
    • Who Will They Fight For?

Episode 223 | Recorded: February 9, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 221, Feb 4, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Feb 4, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Update for February 4
    • Blackouts at 6 hours per day
    • Gas mostly ok for 5-6 days
    • Food Stamp & Rationing System working OK
  • Azerbaijan Curating Profile of Azeri Activists
    • More professional, curated, Organized
    • Hand-picked journalists
    • Protests as a Show

Episode 221 | Recorded: February 4, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 221, Feb 4, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Feb 4, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Update for February 4
    • Blackouts at 6 hours per day
    • Gas mostly ok for 5-6 days
    • Food Stamp & Rationing System working OK
  • Azerbaijan Curating Profile of Azeri Activists
    • More professional, curated, Organized
    • Hand-picked journalists
    • Protests as a Show

Episode 221 | Recorded: February 4, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 220, Jan 31, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Jan 31, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Why less than daily updates
  • January 31 Update
    • Over 183 births since the blockade
    • Gas has been on for 2 days now
  • Some Service sector workers working again

Episode 220 | Recorded: January 31, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 220, Jan 31, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Jan 31, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Why less than daily updates
  • January 31 Update
    • Over 183 births since the blockade
    • Gas has been on for 2 days now
  • Some Service sector workers working again

Episode 220 | Recorded: January 31, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Army Day - January 28
    • Events at Yerablur
  • New EU Monitoring Mission
    • Armenia’s Diplomacy
    • Russia’s Increasing Displeasure
    • Iran’s Tempered Displeasure
  • Artsakh Blockade

Episode 219 | Recorded: January 29, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Army Day - January 28
    • Events at Yerablur
  • New EU Monitoring Mission
    • Armenia’s Diplomacy
    • Russia’s Increasing Displeasure
    • Iran’s Tempered Displeasure
  • Artsakh Blockade

Episode 219 | Recorded: January 29, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 218, Jan 27, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Jan 27, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

Episode 218 | Recorded: January 27, 2023

 Read More

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 218, Jan 27, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Jan 27, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

Episode 218 | Recorded: January 27, 2023

 Read More

Guest:

Topics:

  • Catastrophic Accident in Military Barrack
  • New EU Civilian Mission to Armenia
  • Armenia-Russia Relations
  • Ruben Vardanyan on BBC HARDtalk

Episode 217 | Recorded: January 24, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Catastrophic Accident in Military Barrack
  • New EU Civilian Mission to Armenia
  • Armenia-Russia Relations
  • Ruben Vardanyan on BBC HARDtalk

Episode 217 | Recorded: January 24, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 216, Jan 24, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Jan 24, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • January 24 Update
  • Ruben Vardanyan on BBC HARDtalk
  • Importance of not normalizing tragedy

Episode 216 | Recorded: January 24, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 216, Jan 24, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Jan 24, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • January 24 Update
  • Ruben Vardanyan on BBC HARDtalk
  • Importance of not normalizing tragedy

Episode 216 | Recorded: January 24, 2023

Karen Vrtanesyan: Catastrophe in Azat [EP214]

Posted on Monday, Jan 23, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Azerbaijan, Economy, NATO | Series: cog

Conversations on Groong - Jan 22, 2023

On January 19, 15 conscripts in the village of Azat, Armenia died in a fire that engulfed their temporary makeshift barracks.

Guest:

Topics:

  • Conditions in the Armenian Army
  • Information chaos following the incident
  • Beheading of the 2nd Army Corps

Episode 214 | Recorded: January 22, 2023

Karen Vrtanesyan: Catastrophe in Azat [EP214]

Posted on Monday, Jan 23, 2023 | Category: Armenia, Politics, Azerbaijan, Economy, NATO

Conversations on Groong - Jan 22, 2023

On January 19, 15 conscripts in the village of Azat, Armenia died in a fire that engulfed their temporary makeshift barracks.

Guest:

Topics:

  • Conditions in the Armenian Army
  • Information chaos following the incident
  • Beheading of the 2nd Army Corps

Episode 214 | Recorded: January 22, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 215, Jan 22, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Jan 22, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Gas Cutoff AGAIN
  • Azerbaijan’s Psychological and Political Games
  • Effect on the Electricity Grid
  • Pattern of Increasing Blackouts
  • Impressions from Askeran Region
  • Urban vs Rural Aspects of the Blockade
  • Risk of Normalizing the Pain of Artsakh
  • MP Metaxe Hakobyan’s concerns

Episode 215 | Recorded: January 22, 2023

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 215, Jan 22, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - Jan 22, 2023

Guest:

Topics:

  • Gas Cutoff AGAIN
  • Azerbaijan’s Psychological and Political Games
  • Effect on the Electricity Grid
  • Pattern of Increasing Blackouts
  • Impressions from Askeran Region
  • Urban vs Rural Aspects of the Blockade
  • Risk of Normalizing the Pain of Artsakh
  • MP Metaxe Hakobyan’s concerns

Episode 215 | Recorded: January 22, 2023